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BRUSSELS — President Barack Obama said Thursday he "absolutely makes no apologies" for seeking the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in a prisoner swap with the Taliban, vigorously defending an exchange that has caused a furor in the United States and has dogged the president on his European trip this week.

When it comes to getting soldiers back from war, Obama said, "We don't condition whether or not we make the effort to try to get them back."

He also said Bergdahl's health had been deteriorating and "We were deeply concerned about it.